songs like the phantom of the opera

After Christine Daae's introduction to the Phantom, she awakes from her faint-induced slumber to find herself in the Phantom's lair. She sings her portion "I Remember" that leads into his "Stranger Than You Dreamt It" after she peels the mask from his face in a moment of his weakness.

Christine's portion is full of an innocent curiosity and naiveté, which ultimately leads to her being hurt and scorned by the angel of music. Phantom's song is the first time viewers get a peek into the trauma of the opera ghost. Shackled to the underground labyrinth of the opera house, he refers to himself as a beast, a carcass, a monster, and believes he's in Hell, forever burning and yearning for Heaven's beauty. The instrumentals involve quick, successive sharp tones of orchestral strings. Though not present in the book,  the tune in this musical (based on the 1911 French novel)  is a memorable scene nonetheless.

"Wandering Child"

After her mournful song in the graveyard where her father is buried, Christine sits on the steps of her father's mausoleum to say her final goodbye. As she does, the angel of music appears again, hypnotizing her again into the Phantom's presence.

In another beautiful duet between Phantom and Christine, they start to draw near one another again, Christine "yearning for his guidance" and declaring her angel of music her protector and beholder of true beauty.  Phantom reminds her that he is the watchful presence that keeps her safe and cultivates her voice. The music swells and encompasses brass, winds, and strings, as she makes her way up the steps, and Phantom's voice is passionately mesmerizing.

"Prima Donna"

This song, which involves the whole cast (minus Phantom) sees the opera house players as they get ready for that night's opening play. After securing Carlotta once again and demoting Christine to a mute role, the artists prepare during song in which they all reflect on the situation they're in.

RELATED:  10 Facts About Joel Schumacher’s The Phantom Of The Opera Film

"Prima Donna" reinforces the feminine divine of Carlotta and her leading soprano, while Raoul, Meg, and Madam Giry wonder what will happen to Christine, what misfortunes will occur when the Phantoms demands aren't met, and how a nation adores their artistic pleasures at the theatre. The musical accompaniment is smooth and sailing for much of the song, then comes to a loudly triumphant end.

"Masquerade"

The whole cast joins one another on-screen once again during this spectacular music number following a new year. The opera house is holding an exorbitant masquerade party full of costumes, drinks, dancing, and physical affection. It is one big party to greet a new year -- and simultaneously celebrating 3 months of being Phantom-free.

RELATED:  10 Things You Didn't Know About The Phantom Of The Opera

Perhaps the biggest of the film's operatic numbers due to the sheer size, magnitude, color, and musical force of "Masquerade", it is an unforgettable musical moment. The size of the orchestral instruments and everyone's voices add to the already magnificent and larger-than-life song where people must "guess the face" in a sea of yellows, blues, and reds, clowns, ghouls, and beasts.

"Think Of Me"

The first time the audience gets to her Christine Daae's voice is in her solo performance in "Think of Me" when she replaces Carlotta after she storms out in a huff.  Daae's entrance mimics the books' as she steps in to take her place on center stage.

The song, crystal-clear in its vocalization, and the light, springy, and sprightly music behind it makes this song one of the most memorable for the central character. The sound crescendos at the end produce a monumental effect on the audience as they listen to Christine's words of asking her lover to promise to remember her when their love has faded, much like the fruits and flowers of seasons do.

"Past The Point Of No Return"

In one of Phantom and Christine's sexiest duets, this song comes towards the end of the film at a pivotal moment in their relationship that literally takes them past the point of any return.

The song is hot and heavy with passion, and love, which is reflected in its lyrics, the props and set, and even the clothes they are wearing, a clearly perfect creative aura from director Joel Schumacher . The actors' voices are on full display as the song gradually comes to its louder close, and the images of their bodies, desires, and physical prowess for one another is unmatched when they sing of the flames consuming them.

"Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"

In another of Christine's solo acts, the soprano ventures out to the gravesite where her father is buried to finally say goodbye to him.

The song is a heartbreaking one full of anguish and despair as Christine wrestles with the end of her affair with the angel of music. She is torn between wanting to maintain the relationship but realizing she can no longer be what is necessary to make him happy. She wants to break free and "try to forgive...give me the strength to try."

"All I Ask Of You"

The dizzyingly romantic duet between Christine and Raoul is a highlight of the budding relationship between the two lovers and childhood friends.

As they stand in the snow on the rooftop of the Paris opera house and sing of their love, devotion, and commitment to one another, it becomes increasingly harder for fans not to root for the two of them. It is a genuine show of sincere love and affection that culminates in a passionate kiss and the song that defines their relationship forever.

"The Music Of The Night"

Phantom takes the spotlight in his own song that he serenades to Christine after bringing her to his lair.

The solo performance from the opera ghost is one that follows on the heels of their famous duet together and that introduces Christine to the musical genius of the angel of music and his workspace. In a way that is almost intoxicating, Phantom seduces her with his world full of night, dreams, and music. He inspires her to let her spirit soar and succumb to the rich, full existence of his world.

"The Phantom Of The Opera"

The most famous duet in the production, this song comes just as Christine is seeing and physically meeting Phantom in person for the first time.

This rock-and-roll-influenced song from the film has a rougher, sexier edge to it than what theatergoers might be used to. Christine begins the setup describing how he visited her and now he's here, while he sings back to her how they are here, once again, singing their "strange" duet. By the end, their voices and spirits become one, and audiences see the beginning of the famous love story unfurl.

NEXT:  10 Best Movie Musicals Based On Books, According To IMDb

Classic FM's More Music Breakfast with Tim Lihoreau 6am - 9am

Now Playing

Ride of the Valkyries Richard Wagner Download 'Ride of the Valkyries' on iTunes

Discover Music

Phantom of the Opera: cast, lyrics and famous songs

26 December 2018, 16:58 | Updated: 26 December 2018, 17:00

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musical has been wowing audiences since 1986

The Phantom of the Opera is a 1986 musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The lyrics are by Charles Hart and it’s based on a French novel by Gaston Leroux.

The plot of the Phantom of the Opera

The story of the musical revolves around the singer Christine Daaé and a mysterious figure who lives in an underground lair beneath the Paris Opéra House.

The story begins as the singers of the Paris Opera are rehearsing for a new production. As the prima donna Carlotta performs an aria, a backdrop falls onto the stage and just misses her. The chorus immediately realise that the Phantom of the Opera is here. Carlotta refuses to perform.

Christine, a chorus girl, offers to take her place. And the managers of the house are surprised at her talent. It turns out that Christine has been taking singing lessons with a mysterious figure whom she only knows as her ‘Angel of Music’ – the Phantom himself.

One of the opera house’s new patrons, Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny, recognises Christine as one of his childhood friends.

But the Phantom has chosen Christine to sing his music, and he becomes increasingly obsessed by her.

The Music of the Night - Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera

The Music of the Night – lyrics

One of the most famous songs in the musical, The Music of the Night is performed by the Phantom just after he's taken Christine to his underground lair.

It opens with the words: 'Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation / Darkness stirs and wakes imagination'

Read the full lyrics here >

All I Ask of You – lyrics

This song is a love duet between Christine and Raoul – he promises to love and protect her… but unfortunately the jealous Phantom overhears the whole thing.

The song begins with:

'No more talk of darkness, Forget these wide-eyed fears'

All I Ask of You

The idea for Phantom came from Lloyd Webber, who contacted legendary producer Cameron Mackintosh and suggested creating a musical based on Leroux’s novel. There had already been two film versions of the novel, but never a musical.

Lloyd Webber said: “I was actually writing something else at the time, and I realised that the reason I was hung up was because I was trying to write a major romantic story, and I had been trying to do that ever since I started my career. Then with the Phantom, it was there!”

The style of Lloyd Webber’s music is deliberately operatic in style, while still remaining committed to its West End/Broadway origins. In fact, the story includes a number of made-up operas called Hannibal and the Phantom’s masterpiece Don Juan Triumphant.

Original cast

The original cast of the 1986 West End production included Sarah Brightman (Andrew Lloyd Webber’s then wife) as Christine and Michael Crawford as the Phantom. Steve Barton played the role of Raoul.

The musical opened on London’s West End in 1986 and then on Broadway in New York in 1988.

The Phanton of the Opera won a strong of awards including the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1988. It’s the longest-running show on Broadway, and in 2012 it celebrated its 10,000th performance!

Is Phantom of the Opera an opera?

Not exactly. Much of the music – especially the operas-within-the-musical – mimic the grand operas of the 19th century in their orchestration and style.

But the music makes completely different demands of its singers and the blockbuster songs of Phantom are custom-made for the powerful singers of the West End. And we wouldn't have it any other way.

Latest on Classic FM

The 20 scariest pieces of classical music for halloween, which are ‘the twelve days of christmas’ and what are the lyrics to the song, top flautist ‘devastated’ after her £15,000 flute was stolen on london train, what is the origin of music and where does the word come from it’s fascinating…, how to keep your pets safe this firework season, according to the rspca, this week’s classic fm radio highlights – including album of the week and drive discovery, classic fm’s pet classics returns to help keep anxious pets calm and relaxed during this year’s fireworks, star formula 1 driver charles leclerc taught himself piano, and now composes his own music, blind pianist lucy stuns royal albert hall with breathtaking debussy debut, 19-year-old piano sensation yunchan lim, his decca signing, and the rachmaninov that changed everything, best classical music.

See more Best classical music

The 15 most famous tunes in classical music

The 15 greatest symphonies of all time, the 4 eras of classical music: a quick guide, the 25 greatest conductors of all time, 30 of the greatest classical music composers of all time, the 25 best pianists of all time, more periods and genres.

See more More Periods and Genres

Film & TV

Video games.

Top 50 by Year

Lists Explorer

100 Most Featured Movie Songs

100 Most Featured TV Songs

The Phantom Of The Opera Soundtrack [ 2004 ]

List of songs.

Margaret Preece, Victor McGuire and The Chorus

The troupe rehearses 'Hannibal'

Think of Me

Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Margaret Preece, Patrick Wilson & Emmy Rossum

Christine sings this song, replacing Carlotta

Angel Of Music

Emmy Rossum and Jennifer Ellison

Christine tells Meg about the Angel of Music that had come to her

The Mirror [Angel of Music]

Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum

The Phantom addresses Christine as 'the Angel Of Music' and is indignant about Raoul

The Phantom Of The Opera

The Phantom appears and takes Christine with him

The Music Of The Night

Gerard Butler

The Phantom sings it to Christine

I Remember / Stranger Than You Dreamt It

Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler

Christine comes to herself, sees the Phantom and removes his mask. He becomes furious

Ciarán Hinds, Simon Callow, Patrick Wilson, Margaret Preece, Miranda Richardson

Everyone discusses the notes from the Phantom they've received

Prima Donna

Andrew Lloyd Webber

The managers please Carlotta to perform that night

Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh

David Langham, Margaret Preece, Jennifer Ellison

'Il Muto'

Why Have You Brought Me Here / Raoul I've Been There

Emmy Rossum and Patrick Wilson

Christine quickly leads Raoul to the roof of the theatre

All I Ask Of You

Raoul wants to take care of Christine and love her forever

All I Ask Of You [Reprise]

The Phantom picks up the rose Christine dropped. He is jealous and swears to make Christine regret choosing Raoul

The Phantom of the Opera Cast

Masquerade at the Opera House. Christine and Raoul are secretly engaged. They dance together

Why So Silent

The Phantom appears at the masquerade

Journey To The Cemetery

Christine tells the Phantom (thinking it's the coachman) to take her to her father's grave. Raoul rides to stop her

Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again

Emmy Rossum

Christine walks through the cemetery to her father's grave

Wandering Child

The Phantom calls Christine and persuades her to come to him

The Swordfight

When Raoul appears the Phantom attacks him

We Have All Been Blind

Patrick Wilson, Ciarán Hinds and Simon Callow

Raoul makes up a plan to capture the Phantom

Margaret Preece, Victor McGuire, Halcro Johnston

The troupe performs 'Don Juan'

The Point Of No Return

The final piece of performance by Christine and the Phantom

Down Once More / Track Down This Murderer

Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson

The Phantom steals Christine. Raoul comes after her, but is captured by the Phantom who threatens to strangle him if Christine doesn't choose the Phantom

Learn To Be Lonely

Minnie Driver

End credits

Trailer Songs

Oh no! No trailer songs have been added yet. Add them by logging in.

4 years ago

What song was cut from the film?

Music Supervisors

External Links

Contributors

WhatSong is the worlds largest collection of movie & tv show soundtracks and playlists.

© 2023 WhatSong Soundtracks. All rights reserved

Quick links

• The Little Mermaid
• Dear Evan Hansen
• Les Miserables
• Phantom of the Opera
• Beauty and the Beast
• The Book of Mormon
• The Bodyguard
• Fiddler on the Roof
• Guys and Dolls
• Hedwig and the Angry Inch
• Into the Woods
• Jesus Christ Superstar
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• The King and I
• Kinky Boots
• The Lion King
• Little Shop of Horrors
• Mary Poppins
• Miss Saigon
• My Fair Lady
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• The Producers
• Rock of Ages
• Rocky Horror
• School of Rock
• Singin' in the Rain
• The Sound of Music
• South Pacific
• Sweeney Todd
• Thoroughly Modern Millie
• West Side Story
• The Wizard of Oz

Every Song in The Phantom of the Opera, Ranked by Singability

Let's rank the best songs from  The Phantom of the Opera . Adapted from Gaston Leroux's novel, the 1986 musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber has given us some of the most popular musical songs in Broadway history. What are the best Phantom of the Opera songs?

What are your favorite Phantom of the Opera   songs to sing along to? Featuring classics like "The Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You," this list has all Phantom of the Opera  songs. Other good Phantom of the Opera  songs from the musical soundtrack include "Masquerade" and "Think of Me."

Vote up the best songs in  The Phantom of the Opera . Be sure to also vote for any underrated Phantom of the Opera  songs that deserve to be ranked higher on the list.

The Music of the Night

The Point of No Return

All I Ask of You

Think of Me

Angel of Music

Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again

Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer

Notes/Prima Donna

Don't Know

Little lotte/the mirror.

I Remember/Stranger Than You Dreamt It

Wandering Child/Bravo, Bravo

Why Have You Brought Me Here/Raoul, I've Been There

Notes/Twisted Every Way

Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh

Magical Lasso

• The Phantom of the Opera (Stage)
• Musicals / Plays

Do you love musicals? Do you love singing along to every song in every musical? Vote on these lists to rank every song you can't stop, won't stop, never wanna stop singing in the greatest musicals ever to hit the stage and screen.

People who like Phantom Of The Opera might also like these artists.

Click on any name to travel along.

Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities.

The Phantom of the Opera

Writers: Richard Stilgoe Andrew Lloyd Webber Charles Hart

• Related Products
• Useful Articles
• "Overture" – Instrumental
• A Rehearsal for Hannibal / "Think of Me (Introduction)" – Carlotta, Piangi, Chorus and Ballet Girls / Carlotta, Ballet Girls, André and Buquet
• "Think of Me" – Christine and Raoul
• "Angel of Music" – Meg and Christine
• "Little Lotte / Angel of Music (Reprise)" – Christine, Raoul, and The Phantom
• "The Phantom of the Opera" – The Phantom and Christine
• " The Music of the Night " – The Phantom
• "I Remember... / Stranger Than You Dreamt It" – Christine and The Phantom
• "Magical Lasso" – Buquet, Meg, Madame Giry, and Ballet Girls
• "Notes" – Firmin, André, Raoul, Carlotta, Madame Giry, Meg, Piangi, and The Phantom
• "Prima Donna" – Firmin, André, Raoul, Carlotta, Madame Giry, Meg, Piangi, and The Phantom
• "Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh" – Carlotta, Piangi and Company
• "Why Have You Brought Us Here? / Raoul, I've Been There" – Raoul and Christine
• "All I Ask of You" – Raoul and Christine
• "All I Ask of You (Reprise)" – Raoul, Christine, and The Phantom
• "Entr’acte" – Instrumental
• "Masquerade / Think of Me (Reprise)" – Ensemble, Christine and Raoul
• "Why So Silent?" – The Phantom
• "Notes (Reprise)" – Firmin, André, Carlotta, Piangi, Raoul, Christine, Madame Giry, and The Phantom
• "We Have All Been Blind / Twisted Every Way" – Raoul, Firmin, André, and Christine
• A Rehearsal for Don Juan Triumphant – Carlotta, Piangi, Christine and Chorus
• " Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again " – Christine
• "Wandering Child / Bravo, Monsieur!" – Phantom, Christine, and Raoul
• Music from Don Juan Triumphant – Piangi, Carlotta, Christine and Company
• "The Point of No Return" – The Phantom and Christine
• "Down Once More / Track Down This Murderer" – The Phantom, Christine, Raoul, and Company
• "Finale" – Instrumental

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

• Guide written by
• Ellen Leslie
• Cassidy McCleary

The Phantom of the Opera guide sections

Sign up today to unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities.

Auditions & Jobs

Simonas Search - Submit for NYC Appointments New York, NY

New York, NY

Stage Manager for All Of Me New York, NY

Kinky Boots New York, NY

Half-Price Tickets

Jan 19 - Nov 9

Welcome To Greendale

Brooklyn, NY

Oops! This page is only accessible by StageAgent Pro members.

Take your performing arts career to the next level.

Gain full access to show guides, character breakdowns, auditions, monologues and more!

or log in to your account

You need a Pro account to access this feature.

UPGRADE TO PRO

or or log in to your account

The Phantom of the Opera (Soundtrack from the Musical) [Highlights] {Original Studio Cast}

October 1, 1996 16 Songs, 58 minutes ℗ 1996 JAY Productions Ltd.

You Might Also Like

Original Studio Cast

Various Artists

John Barrowman

Lisa Vroman & Stephanie Blythe

Fred Ebb, Gregg Edelman, John Kander, Jonathan Pryce, Judi Dench, Maria Friedman & Various Artists

Select a country or region

Africa, middle east, and india.

• Côte d’Ivoire
• Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
• Guinea-Bissau
• Niger (English)
• Congo, Republic of
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• Tanzania, United Republic Of
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates

Asia Pacific

• Indonesia (English)
• Lao People's Democratic Republic
• Malaysia (English)
• Micronesia, Federated States of
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Solomon Islands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• France (Français)
• Deutschland
• Luxembourg (English)
• Moldova, Republic Of
• North Macedonia
• Portugal (Português)
• United Kingdom

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina (Español)
• Bolivia (Español)
• Virgin Islands, British
• Cayman Islands
• Chile (Español)
• Colombia (Español)
• Costa Rica (Español)
• República Dominicana
• Ecuador (Español)
• El Salvador (Español)
• Guatemala (Español)
• Honduras (Español)
• Nicaragua (Español)
• Paraguay (Español)
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• St. Vincent and The Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos
• Uruguay (English)
• Venezuela (Español)

The United States and Canada

• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States
• Estados Unidos (Español México)
• الولايات المتحدة
• États-Unis (Français France)
• Estados Unidos (Português Brasil)
• 美國 (繁體中文台灣)

This website uses cookies . If you continue to use the site, your agreement will result in cookies being set.

A complete guide to all the songs in 'The Phantom of the Opera'

Learn more about the songs in The Phantom of the Opera , including "Masquerade," "All I Ask of You," "The Music of the Night", and "Think of Me."

It’s time to listen to the music of the night – otherwise known as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s soaring score for his all-conquering 1986 musical The Phantom of the Opera . Featuring lyrics by Charles Hart, and a libretto co-written by Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe, it’s an epic adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s novel about a masked genius lurking in the sewers beneath the Paris Opera House in the late 19th century.

That lurker would be the Phantom: the musical mentor of young soprano Christine. She becomes the centre of a passionate love triangle, pursued both by the Phantom and by her childhood friend-turned-wealthy patron, Raoul. The show opened in the West End starring Sarah Brightman, Michael Crawford and Steve Barton, and went on to win Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Musical. Find out more about The Phantom of the Opera in London.

Phantom continues to enchant audiences: it’s the longest-running show in Broadway history, and the second-longest-running musical in the West End following Les Misérables . Part of its appeal is the sheer opulent scale, including that famous chandelier. But key to its success, too, is Lloyd Webber’s mighty operatic score. Follow us down into the Phantom’s lair (via His Majesty's Theatre ) as we guide you through the show’s indelible songs.

Book The Phantom of the Opera tickets on London Theatre.

“Hannibal Dress Rehearsal”

Phantom has a recurring show-within-a-show element. We open with the fictional cast rehearsing a new production, Hannibal, starring prima donna Carlotta. This scene also packs in some speedy exposition, introducing the audience to the opera house’s new owners, Firmin and Andre, and new patron, the Vicomte de Changy (also known as Raoul) — and also telling us that orphan Christine’s father was a famous violinist. It sets the template for a musical that will constantly whisk between onstage and backstage.

“Think of Me”

Carlotta storms off after a backdrop crashes down from the flies, and Christine takes over her role for that evening’s performance. “Think of Me” is her big aria, but its wistful lyrics also spur Raoul to recognise her as his childhood friend, and to wonder if she too remembers their shared past. It adds emotional heft to — and complicates — Christine’s triumph.

“Angel of Music”

Christine reveals to Meg (daughter of the ballet mistress Madame Giry) that she has a secret tutor, who she calls the Angel of Music. She believes it’s the spirit of her late father — a naïve idea encapsulated by this dreamy little number.

“Little Lotte”

The Angel of Music becomes a point of reconnection for Christine and Raoul when he visits her in her dressing room and asks her out to dinner. Both remember the stories that her father used to tell them, and the song “Little Lotte” that he taught her to sing. He assumes it’s all a fantasy, whereas Christine thinks it’s actually real.

“The Mirror”

Enter the Phantom — and an angry, jealous Phantom. He’s furious that Raoul is sharing in his triumph, and lures Christine away. She meets his fury with a sweet reprise of “Angel of Music.” Finally, he reveals himself to her in her mirror and takes her away.

“The Phantom of the Opera”

The almighty title number! It’s a key duet between Christine and the Phantom as they explore their dynamic: the Phantom has embedded himself in her psyche, and he takes credit for her glorious voice, while she characterises herself as his mask. The music echoes this tussle: both beautiful and ominous, grand as the Opera House and eerie as the sewers.

“The Music of the Night”

After travelling by boat to his hidden lair, the Phantom reveals that he has selected Christine as his muse — and shows her an image in the mirror where she’s wearing a wedding dress. It’s all too much: Christine faints. That brings out the Phantom’s caring side, as he covers her with his cloak and croons this tender song. Listen to the lyrics and you’ll find a sinister juxtaposition between the seductive music and his intent, which is to seduce her with his genius and trap her in the dark with him.

“I Remember”/ “Stranger Than You Dreamt It”

Christine wakes to hear the monkey music box (the one that Raoul will see at the auction in the show’s prologue). As the Phantom sits at the organ, composing his next opus, Christine creeps up to him and removes his mask – revealing his disfigured face. The Phantom roars at her anger, then this tune softens as he admits he yearns to be loved.

“Notes”/ “Prima Donna”

Andre, Firmin and Raoul are all fretting about the mysterious disappearance of their sopranos. But the Phantom has written a series of notes, demanding Christine become the star of his new opera, not Carlotta. The owners appease a furious Carlotta, assuring her that she won’t be replaced. It’s a busy number with lots of cross-currents (and a fun piece of epistolary farce) – a nice contrast to the serious songs we’ve just heard in the sewers.

“Why Have You Brought Me Here?”

After the Phantom sabotaged the performance by reducing Carlotta’s voice to a croak, Christine drags Raoul to the rooftop and confesses all about the Phantom and his dangerous obsession with her. Raoul still thinks it was just a dream.

“All I Ask of You”

Now Raoul gets his big moment – and it’s the polar opposite to the Phantom’s “Music of the Night”. He says that daylight (not the darkness) will dry her tears, and that he will be her shelter and her light. Instead of wanting to control her, he simply asks to be a part of her life. That sentiment is matched by a sweet, gentle, sincere tune – and when Christine matches it, their romance takes flight.

“All I Ask of You (Reprise)”

Uhoh. The Phantom was spying on them and he now uses their love song with which to swear revenge. Watch out for Act Two...

“Masquerade”/ “Why So Silent?”

Phantom ’s second half opens six months later, and in grand style: with a masquerade ball. Masks are being used playfully (as exemplified by the jaunty patter sections with swift, teasing lyrics), and the general tone is jubilant: Christine and Raoul are engaged, and all is well. At least, until the Phantom gate-crashes the party. He has a new opera for them, but demands Christine star – and return to him.

“Notes”/ “Twisted Every Way”

Another knotty plotting number, but the tone is now sombre. Christine is scared that she’s become the Phantom’s prey, and Raoul entreats her to use the opera to trap the Phantom. Will she betray her mentor?

“Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”

Her loyalties divided, Christine visits her father’s grave. After the frantic opening action, it’s a slow, shimmering number that shifts between warmth and aching melancholy. It’s also an important part of Christine reckoning with the past: in one way or another, she’s been haunted throughout the show, and (in the song’s big climax) now needs to find the strength to fight for her future.

“Wandering Child”

The Phantom isn’t going away just yet. He appears to Christine in the cemetery, once again seducing her with the power of his voice and “Angel of Music” genius – until Raoul breaks the spell.

“Don Juan Triumphant”/ “The Point of No Return”

That’s the title of the Phantom’s new opera, which we now hear rehearsed by Christine, Carlotta and the chorus. The Phantom gate-crashes once again, taking on the part of Don Juan so he can sing lyrics with a double meaning to Christine: “In your mind you’ve already succumbed to me… no use resisting: abandon thought, and let the dream descend.” But are they really “past the point of no return”?

The Phantom then uses a reprise of “All I Ask of You” to propose to Christine. However, before he can finish, she unmasks him – and they discover the corpse of the actor he murdered. Game over.

“Down Once More”/ “Track Down This Murderer”

As an angry mob vows to hunt down the Phantom, he escapes to his lair with a captive Christine. Raoul follows, and the Phantom threatens to kill him unless Christine stays. Finally, Christine realises the truth: his haunted face holds no horror for her – it’s in his soul “that the true distortion lies”. She decides to show him pity and kindness, and kisses him.

That thaws the Phantom’s heart, and he releases the two of them; they depart with a final reprise of “All I Ask of You,” leaving the Phantom alone with his “Music of the Night.”

See more shows in the West End

Book Mamma Mia! tickets on London Theatre.

Book The Book of Mormon tickets on London Theatre.

Book Wicked tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: The Phantom of the Opera (Photo courtesy of production)

Originally published on Mar 1, 2023 16:15

• ScreenRant.com

Similar News

Andrew lloyd webber.

• by Abid Rahman
• The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News

• by Jake Kanter
• Deadline Film + TV

• by Rehana Nurmahi
• Popsugar.com

The Phantom of the Opera

• by Hollywood Outbreak
• HollywoodOutbreak.com

• by Maddie Davis
• Comic Book Resources

• by Carolyn Giardina

• by Brad Hamerly

• by Chris Willman
• Variety Film + TV

More to explore

Recently viewed.